Message from Mr. Mamnoon Hussain President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, On the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, 5th February, 2017

The Government and the people of Pakistan reaffirm their continued and resolute moral, diplomatic and political support to the oppressed people of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoK) in their valiant struggle for the fundamental right to self-determination. India continues, not only, to deny the people of Jammu and Kashmir the right to self-determination for the last seven decades, but is also subjecting them to the worst human rights violations, violence and oppression.

During this indigenous and historic struggle, the courageous and determined people of IoK have rendered unparalleled and unimaginable sacrifices. Atrocities by Indian occupation forces in the last six months have resulted in more than 120 deaths and 20,000 injured, many in critical condition. More than 1,000 have sustained severe eye injuries due to pellet shots by the Indian occupation forces, while at least 150, including women and children, are now permanently blind. However, the Indian state terrorism has failed to deter the people of IoK from their struggle for freedom from Indian oppression.

Pakistan calls upon the international community to be cognizant of its responsibilities in the matter and urges it to demand an independent investigation in the ongoing gross human rights violations in IoK by Indian occupation forces and to fulfill its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions of Kashmir.

The Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains an unfinished agenda of Partition. It is one of the oldest disputes pending on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council. Jammu and Kashmir is the core dispute between India and Pakistan and the dream for peace in the region will remain elusive until resolution of this dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. More than 1.5 billion people of this region deserve to see the dawn of peace and prosperity which has been denied to them by India’s refusal to implement the UN Security Council resolutions.